In cities across the United States, those affected by obesity will walk to raise awareness of this disease. The Center for Weight Management of Park Rapids will host the 2009 Walk from Obesity event Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Smokey Hills Wilderness Retreat and Conference Center in Osage, MN. The walk will be held in conjunction with the Weekend in the Pines event, a weight-loss workshop and support service for surgical weight-loss patients hosted by the Center. “The event has generated more than $750 to date,” says Missy Lindow, Walk from Obesity regional coordinator, “and we expect many more on-site walk registrations the day of the event. This is a great opportunity for everyone to join forces and raise money for obesity research, education, prevention and treatment.” Cost to participate in the walk and to show your support for all those affected by obesity and morbid obesity is $25. Registration is free for children 12 and under. To register for the 2009 Walk from Obesity, please visit www.walkfromobesity.com. Funds raised through this event will support the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) in their efforts to increase research funding for obesity, improve awareness of the negative stigma associated with obesity and provide educational resources for all those affected by the disease. The OAC and ASMBS Foundation established the walk to raise awareness of the obesity epidemic and to support initiatives focusing on prevention, education, research, treatment and advocacy. Walkers raise money by asking friends, family, and co-workers for sponsorship. In addition to walker income, funds are raised through sponsorship, matching gifts, corporate contributions and other fundraising activities. For more information, contact: Missy Lindow, PTA Lifestyle Counselor and Walk from Obesity Coordinator Email: missylindow@catholichealth.net Phone: 218-255-4311